Posts Tagged ‘auction house

When you visit an auction house, you see a wide array of art available. Sculptures are a very popular form of art. Learning more about some of the most popular sculptures in history gives you a chance to see what is out there and learn about the different styles.

Bronze David

“David” bronze by Donatello

If you know a little about sculpture, you know that this work of art is one of the most popular sculptures in modern society. However, this masterpiece created by Donatello was made in the 1440s. The Renaissance period piece is freestanding, and it was the first of its kind when the artist created it. It features a nude male, David, sporting an enigmatic smile.

Savannah Bird Girl Statue

Sylvia Shaw Judson is the sculptress who created this work of art in 1936. The Lake Forest, Illinois artist’s work was featured on the Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil novel cover in 1994 and that is largely responsible for its fame. The actual sculpture is approximately 50 inches tall and it is of a young girl who has a contemplative or sad expression.

The Discus Thrower

“The Discus Thrower” Greek statue

If you are familiar with Greek history and art, you have surely seen this sculpture before. It was created when the severe period was ending somewhere between 460 to 450 BC. There are a number of Roman copies floating around, but the original is thought to have been done in bronze. Many of the copies use other materials like marble.

The Kiss

“The Kiss” by Auguste Rodin

Auguste Rodin is a French sculptor who is responsible for this piece of art. It was made in 1889 and the original material used was marble. It shows a woman of the 13th century who falls in love with the little brother of her husband. If you are familiar with Dante’s Inferno, you may know a little bit about this sculpture. The two are going in for a kiss, but their lips never meet. While purely suggestive, many people who have analyzed the piece believe that the noblewoman’s husband caught them and the two lovers met their demise before they were able to be together.

Lady Justice

This sculpture is a major figure in the American criminal justice system. It is not associated with a single artist and it is used to show fairness and justice throughout the world. It goes back to the ancient Roman and Greek times where many people looked to a Goddess of law and justice.

As you can see, there are many sculptures to learn more about. As you learn more about this art form, you will be able to better identify sculptures when you are at an auction house.

Before heading to the auction house, you want to learn more about famous art.. Paris is a city that is heavily influenced by some of the world’s most famous artists. There are certain iconic paintings that you will need to visit this romantic city to see in person. Viewing these is sure to be a memorable experience and will help you to expand your art appreciation.

The Mona Lisa

Leonardo da Vinci “Mona Lisa”

This iconic painting was created by Leonardo da Vinci. This is a painted portrait that is supposed to be of Francesco del Giocondo’s wife, Lisa Gherardini. It was between 1503 and 1517 when this work of art was created. At one point, this painting adorned a wall in the bedroom of Napoleon. Since 1797, this painting has had a permanent position in the Louvre Museum.

Impression, Sunrise

If you are familiar with Claude Monet, you surely know this painting. This picture is of a fleeting sunrise over his hometown of Le Havre. The Impressionist movement is said to have begun with this famous piece. This painting is not the real thing, but an impression of it, hence the term “Impressionist.” In 1985, this painting was stolen from the Musee Marmottan Monet by Youssef Khimoun and Philippe Jamin. In 1990, the painting was recovered.

The Gleaners

Jean-François Millet “The Gleaners”

If you are just getting into art, you might not be familiar with this painting or its artist who is Jean-Francois Millet. This painting dates back to 1857 and it depicts the French countryside and the workers who spent their days tending to the fields in this area. It is a type of revolutionary work and it can be seen at the Musee d’Orsay.

Starry Night Over the Rhone

This is probably one of the most famous paintings in history and it was created in 1888 by Vincent Van Gogh. There is a second version of this painting that the artist created shortly after the original when he was in a mental institution. The second one is considerably more violent than the first which was romantic and serene; it can be seen in New York at the MOMA. However, the original is housed in Paris.

Vincent van Gogh “The Starry Night”

In a Cafe

This is a painting that was created by Edgar Degas. It depicts a woman alone in a cafe and is inspired by the Belle Epoque Paris urban life of the time period. It was painted in 1873 and you can see it in person at the Musee d’Orsay.

You can see that there are a number of beautiful and inspiring paintings that you can see in person in Paris. Seeing these helps to enhance your appreciation of painting and helps you to better develop your knowledge of art before heading to an auction house.

Collecting art can be incredibly rewarding for a number of reasons. You want to know what the benefits of collecting are, especially for everyday people who are not art professionals. The art auction house is a great place for everyone and it gives you the chance to learn more about various types of art. Explore the advantages associated with collecting art and then get started with your new investment opportunity and hobby.

MAURITS CORNELIS ESCHER (Dutch 1898-1972) “Ant,” Lithograph

Meet New People for Networking

You do not have to work in art to benefit from networking with fellow art lovers. Once you get started with collecting art, you will find out about different events that are happening that you can attend. Keep in mind that a variety of art collectors are powerful people and they have a lot of connections. This can benefit you in your career no matter what industry you work in. So, take advantage of the different events even if you are not planning to buy at all of them.

Learn More About Art and History

Art and history are closely related, so when you start to collect art, you get to increase your knowledge of both of these. When you see pieces that inspire you, make sure to read up on them and what the purpose of the pieces are. For example, if you see a painting that makes you feel passionate about it, make it a point to learn about the history of the piece and why the artist created it.

Change Your Thinking and Enjoy More Detailed Thoughts

Art is simple and complex at the same time. This challenges your current way of thinking and makes you appreciate the small details. Those who collect art tend to be able to better analyze details, allowing them to see the bigger picture much faster. This can benefit you in all areas of life and aid you when it comes to things like solving problems in your life.

Become More Culturally Aware

All cultures throughout the world have art as a major focus. When you explore the different art available, you will start to learn about the cultures that created it. This makes it easier to be culturally aware and to expand your knowledge of people all over the world.

You can see that there are many reasons you might consider starting to collect art. When you are ready, head to an art auction house to see what is available and to increase your chances of finding great pieces. At this type of event, it is often easier to find a variety of art and there is a better chance of getting a great deal on what you find.